Melioidosis: An emerging yet neglected bacterial zoonosis

Melioidosis (Whitmore’s disease) is an emerging disease caused by the Gram-negative saprophyte bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. It a common but sometimes neglected zoonotic with wide range of hosts, including humans. has emerged as leading cause morbidity and mortality in tropical countries, such Thailand, northern Australia, etc., continually on wider geographical scale. Recent epidemiological studies have suggested that most parts Africa Middle East countries are environmentally suitable for B. Pseudomallei. Bacteria can easily travel from Asia to Americas via Africa, shown phylogenetic analyzes sporadic cases recently reported America. Although melioidosis included category 2 bioterrorism agents, there ignorance general people even among clinicians regarding infection. The requires long-term treatment regimens no assurance bacterial clearance. Several vaccine candidates being tested, none reached clinical trials Diagnostic tests still development stage compromised specificity sensitivity endemic areas. Understanding adaptations this organism environmental factors basic awareness utmost importance today. Therefore, review aims provide overview melioidosis, risk factors, epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, preventive measures, well recommendations increase major public health problem.